Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The examination of hair is regarded as an effective method for identifying the use of drugs and alcohol. Hair captures a prolonged history of alcohol and drug consumption by embedding biomarkers within the structure of the growing hair shaft. When obtained near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection period of up to around three months for alcohol and other substances. The process of collecting hair is straightforward, relatively tamper-proof, and convenient to transport.
A sample of approximately 1.5 inches, consisting of around 200 hair strands (roughly the diameter of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, considered optimal for testing and verification. For EtG, additional requirements, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the hair sample is advised. We propose using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair is not obtainable, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be gathered. The term head hair exclusively pertains to scalp hair. All other hair types, including facial, axillary, etc., are denoted as body hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory drug testing procedure comprises four essential phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the preliminary integration of a sample into a lab's system. This process verifies proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) randomly, and completes any additional data entry that electronic chain of custody systems do not cover.
Screening is an initial rapid assessment for substance abuse. Although Screening is an economical method for excluding drug use in most cases, a positive screening must undergo confirmation to be court-admissible. Any samples preliminarily positive in Screening require another level of confirmation.
Upon a presumptive positive outcome in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction process. Here, drugs are isolated from the hair at significantly reduced concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug testing a more challenging protocol to execute.
Any positive screening result undergoes Confirmation via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Pre-confirmation washing of presumptively positive samples is conducted as necessary. The entire process, from Accessioning through Confirmation, is evaluated under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle underneath the scalp
When comparing drug tests in Rosedale, IN, hair follicle testing outshines traditional urine methods. Superior detection accuracy makes hair tests a reliable method for identifying drug traces. Moreover, they offer greater reliability, rendering them a preferred choice among businesses and legal professionals seeking stringent drug-testing measures.
Hair follicle testing in Rosedale, IN, allows for an extended observation window, detecting drug use for up to 90 days. This extended timeframe grants employers a comprehensive view of an individual's substance history, invaluable for both pre-employment screenings and ongoing employee evaluations.
The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle testing in Rosedale, IN, minimizes the likelihood of sample alterations. This testing method is highly secure, offering unquestionable results that professionals and organizations can depend on, safeguarding them against dishonest practices.
The broad network of testing facilities in Rosedale, IN, and nationwide ensures convenient access for all. No matter where you are, quick and hassle-free testing is always within reach, simplifying the entire process and eliminating logistical challenges.
In Rosedale, IN, the procedure for hair follicle testing is straightforward and confidential. Ordering, conducting, and receiving results are designed to maintain privacy and ease of use, ensuring that client concerns are addressed effectively.
Rosedale, IN, offers competitive affordable pricing for hair follicle testing and quick result turnaround. Companies of all sizes benefit from exceptional value, making it easier to incorporate reliable drug testing into their regular operations without breaking the budget.
In Rosedale, IN, the precision and swiftness of hair follicle testing set it apart. This method offers high accuracy in identifying substance use, ensuring that results are both fast and reliable. The comprehensive nature of hair testing reduces the likelihood of errors, making it a preferred choice for precise drug detection outcomes.
Employers in Rosedale, IN, gain peace of mind and ensure compliance by implementing hair follicle drug tests. This testing enhances workplace safety, supports drug-free policies, and mitigates legal risks, creating a secure and harmonious work environment.
